Community looking to save Boomsday

Some Boomsday festival goers aren't ready to say goodbye to Knoxville's Labor Day tradition.

Clint Miller created a 'Save Boomsday' Facebook page and GoFundMe campaign to raise money and save the festival after Visit Knoxville announced this year would be the last Boomsday.

THE FACE BOOK PAGE racked up just under 2,000 likes. Supporters have donated $110 to the GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN, which has an end goal of $25,000.

In addition, 12-year-old Ava Davis to join the effort, too. SHE DESIGNED T-SHIRTS to help raise money. Her goal is to sell 500 for $15 each.

This year's Boomsday is on September 6.

Here's our full story RIGHT HERE.

This year's Boomsday to be the last

This will be the final year for Boomsday. Visit Knoxville made this announcement at a press conference held at their offices today.

"This decision was not an easy one, and it was not made without serious discussion with our board and input from community members," stated Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville.

Bumpas went on to say, "For the past several years, Visit Knoxville has been pleased to present Boomsday - one of the largest Labor Day weekend fireworks shows in the nation. Like many of you, I look forward to this event every year. As a longtime Knoxville resident, I am tied to its history."

In the past, Boomsday was funded entirely by Visit Knoxville and corporate sponsors. In an effort to fund and "save" Boomsday last year, Visit Knoxville attempted to create a ticketed event. This attempt was met with insurmountable obstacles that hinder future efforts.

Bumpas added, "We have looked at various ways to continue the event, but ongoing funding issues related to lack of interest prevents us from obtaining the proper level of sponsor dollars to make the event sustainable."

Boomsday set for Sunday, Sept. 6

Visit Knoxville will present the 28th edition of Boomsday on Sunday, Sept. 6 at Volunteer Landing along the Tennessee River.

"We're working daily on creating a weekend of events that will culminate with the Boomsday festivities our community looks forward to seeing each year," stated Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville.

Boomsday 2015 will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with live music, games, food vendors and more. The evening will wrap up with more than five tons of dynamite lighting the sky to a soundtrack featuring your favorite music.

Boomsday will wrap up a Labor Day weekend featuring FREE events open to the public. Details available RIGHT SMACK HERE. 

Vols move game for Boomsday to create big Labor Day weekend celebration

Just got this in from the good Visit Knoxville folks:

The University of Tennessee Volunteers and Visit Knoxville's Boomsday Team Up for a Spectacular New Labor Day Weekend Celebration.

The Vols' season opening game with Utah State is moving to Sunday, August 31st at 7:00 p.m.  As a result, Visit Knoxville will hold the 27th Annual Boomsday Festival on Saturday, August 30th. The festival will expand down Neyland Drive and feature special programming celebrating Knoxville and the Big Orange. Playing on Sunday provides the opportunity for the game to be broadcast on ESPN's new SEC Network.

"This will be a unique and exciting weekend for our city and our state," said Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones. "With Boomsday on Saturday and our season opener on Sunday, the atmosphere and energy in Knoxville will be unrivaled. We're also excited about being one of the schools featured on the first weekend of SEC Network football telecasts, and we are looking forward to this tremendous opportunity."

The 2014 season opener will mark the seventh time Tennessee has played on Sunday. The Vols are 3-2-1 all-time in the previous six games. The last Sunday contest for Tennessee was the season opener on Sept. 5, 2004, a 42-17 win over UNLV that marks the only Sunday game to date in Neyland Stadium history.

"Holding Boomsday on Saturday in partnership with the University gives the opportunity to provide Vol fans and visitors alike with a truly memorable holiday weekend," said Kim Bumpus, president of Visit Knoxville. "Events like this stimulate our local economy and highlight all that Knoxville has to offer. We look forward to celebrating this great city all weekend long."

Boomsday 27 will feature more music than ever before. The Knoxville based Black Lillies will headline the event on the main stage with other local artists performing a variety of music from jazz to country and bluegrass on a total of 3 stages.  The famous Pyro Shows fireworks will blast off at 9:00pm and broadcast live on WBIR.

Admission to this year's event is $20 per adult (children 12 and under free) and includes access to a programmed and secured fireworks viewing along Neyland.  Your admission grants full access to all performances, a family-friendly kids area, new food vendors, shopping and much more. There's even a VIP area for Veterans (who can attend Boomsday for free with Military I.D.)

Boomsday tickets go on sale in July.